The Persuasive Power of Cleavage

I am impressed by the persuasive power of cleavage.

If you think about it, cleavage nothing. It’s literally the empty space between two objects. You put any other two objects together and the space between them is dull and uninteresting. But if those objects happen to be breasts, suddenly that space has the power to start wars.

I remember my first encounter with cleavage. I was watching Lois & Clark, a show about Lois Lane and Clark Kent (Superman). The open scene was kind of hokey, and I was considering changing the channel. But then the opening credits ran, and Teri Hatcher comes tumbling down this trapdoor. She looks up, revealing a length of cleavage as endless as puberty.

I must watch this show, I thought.

In fact, there are hundreds of shows that no one would watch if not for cleavage. Jersey Shore. Desperate Housewives. Survivor. Rachael Ray. Sesame Street.

I’m still on Match.com, and every day Match sends me their “Daily 5” matches, which almost always amounts to 7 women, not 5. So I skim the profiles and the stats and the photos. And it’s amazing to me what a single cleavage photo can do. Nothing trashy, just the hint of cleavage. I can get all the way through a boring profile (“I like to have fun! Yay!”) and flip through 14 ho-hum photos, and I get to that last photo and pause.

Wait, is that cleavage? I must meet this woman.

I would go as far as to say that cleavage is the number one motivator for men to do most things. You think we like going to symphonies and plays and musicals and the ballet? Nope. What we do like is the possibility of cleavage involved in those fancy dresses women wear to such events.

In some ways I can see people interpreting this post as me objectifying women. Rather, this is an ode to the power of cleavage. I’m in awe of cleavage. Nothing I can offer will ever have the persuasive power that cleavage does.

It’s funny that you mention that Lois & Clark opening scene. I’m pretty sure 90% of males our age know exactly the clip you’re talking about. I knew it as soon as I saw the picture on your blog (which isn’t from that scene). Teri Hatcher would have no career if not for that small piece of video.

If it makes you guys feel any better, I know exactly which shot you’re referring to as well, although it took me a second to recall it. I mostly remember it for her outfit and haircut though, which I liked at the time. 🙂

I’ve never been shy about displaying a little bit of cleavage, but I had no idea it wielded so much power! I just figured I’d play up what I consider to be my best asset(s). Little did I know I could conquer the world with these things! 😉

Katie–Her hair had excellent bounce at the time. Almost as good as her breasts.

Oh, cleavage has massive power. The next time you go on a date, spend half the date with something covering your cleavage (a cardigan, turtleneck, or burlap sack) and the other half of the date showing cleavage. You’d be surprised at the difference. Unless you’re on a date with Red. He’ll just be distracted.

Evolutionarily, cleavage is important because it was directly associated to the size of babby feeding stations. However, modern clothes designed to lift and shape, exagerate the reality of these feeding station, including increasing cleavage.

I’m with you all in that cleavage is a motivator, espectailly to do things you don’t want to do. For me the main challenge is to pretend not to notice.

I work in a business environment where women make up more than 50% of the departmentm, at an average age of ~40. As professional as I want to be, it often takes every ounce of willpower I have to maintain eye contact with a woman wearing a low cut top, which takes my focus away from the topic we are discussing. If I comment on being uncomfortable I’m a jerk, and a prude, and inhibiting her right to express herself through her choice of clothes. Looking if considered offensive, objectification, and possible grounds for harassment and termination.

Same deal when out socially. Whether it’s with women I know, or someone I’ve just met, unless they are wearing a basic tshirt, or something intentionally loose, most women’s tops are designed to accentuate the chest.

I am also amazed by the persuasive power of cleavage. There is a noticeable difference in the amount of male attention I receive when I am wearing a tight or low top, versus something more loose fitting. Especially when it comes to receiving service, like at a restaurant or bar.